Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a platform-based projectexecution in the industrialised construction sector, with a focus on systematically balancing cost andvalue. Offering custom-tailored buildings at reasonable costs has been a growing concern for manyconstruction companies. A promising approach adapted by operations management and design theoryregards individual building projects as the adjustment and recombination of components and processesfrom a set of predefined platforms, while configuration systems assure feasible buildingsolutions. Design/methodology/approach – After adapting some of the underlying assertions of platformdesign to the engineer-to-order (ETO) situation in construction, the practical implications are evaluatedon a case study of a precast manufacturer using high performance concrete.
Findings – Based on empirical findings from three distinct platform strategies, this researchhighlights key aspects of adapting platform-based developed theory to industrialised construction.Building projects use different layers of product, process and logistics platforms to form the right cost– value ratio for the target market application, while modelling methods map structural platformcharacteristics so as to balance commonality and distinctiveness.
Originality/value – This paper proposes a general theory of platform-based development andexecution in the industrialised construction sector, which goes beyond concurrent approaches ofstandardising and systemising buildings projects. It adapts and extends established frameworks forplatform development to the ETO situation in construction and empirically validates their cost andvalue effects.
Findings – Based on empirical findings from three distinct platform strategies, this researchhighlights key aspects of adapting platform-based developed theory to industrialised construction.Building projects use different layers of product, process and logistics platforms to form the right cost– value ratio for the target market application, while modelling methods map structural platformcharacteristics so as to balance commonality and distinctiveness.
Originality/value – This paper proposes a general theory of platform-based development andexecution in the industrialised construction sector, which goes beyond concurrent approaches ofstandardising and systemising buildings projects. It adapts and extends established frameworks forplatform development to the ETO situation in construction and empirically validates their cost andvalue effects.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Construction Innovation |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 84-106 |
ISSN | 1471-4175 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Value
- Platform
- Engineer-to-order
- Industrialized construction
- Mass customization
- Postponement